When I worked as a Preschool teacher, every Greek Independence Day (or the closest date if it fell on the weekend) I would have children do some Greek dances and pretend plate smashing in honor of Greek Independence Day. I never had a formal lesson plan for the activity is I usually did it post naptime when things were a little less formal just for fun. The pretend plate smashing is also most likely a bad idea for most preschool programs, but even when the children’s parents in my program observed the activity, they thought it was hilarious to watch so I never had an issue. In case you want to incorporate this activity into your program, here is a lesson plan for it.

Lesson Title: Learning Greek Dances with Mikis Theodorakis, Anna Vissi, and Stelios Kazantzidis

Objective: To introduce preschoolers to Greek culture by teaching them how to do the Sirtaki and Hasapiko dances while listening to the music of Greek composers and singers Mikis Theodorakis, Anna Vissi, and Stelios Kazantzidis. As part of the activity, the children will also pretend to smash plates, using paper plates to avoid injury.

Materials:

• Music by Mikis Theodorakis, Anna Vissi, and Stelios Kazantzidis

• Open space for dancing

• Paper plates

• Pretend paper money

• Scarves or streamers (optional)

• If you want to get really ambitious, you can get some traditional Greek clothes.

Procedure:

1. Begin the lesson by introducing the music of Greek composers and singers Mikis Theodorakis, Anna Vissi, and Stelios Kazantzidis. Explain that these artists are famous in Greece and that their music represents Greek culture and tradition. Show some short videos of Greek Children dancing. (examples at the end of the post)

2. Play some of their music and ask the children to listen and dance along to the beat.

3. Demonstrate the basic steps of the Sirtaki dance, which include starting with arms linked and moving in a circle while taking small steps. Then, add in larger steps and turns as the music builds. Next, demonstrate the Hasapiko dance, which includes quick footwork and stomping motions.

4. Have the children form a circle and link arms with each other. Begin the dance with the basic steps of the Sirtaki, and then switch to the Hasapiko dance as the music changes.

5. As part of the activity, have the children pretend to smash plates and explain this is a tradition at Greek weddings and other celebrations.  Give each child a paper plate and encourage them to hold it above their head and pretend to smash it on the ground. Make sure to emphasize they are only allowed to do this with paper plates to be safe. As the children throw the plates down have them yell Opa! (Greek: ώπα) letting them know it is expression Greeks use when celebrating or dancing.

6. For added fun or for children who do not want to dance, give the children paper money they can throw in the air. Explain to the children that at Greek weddings or parties they will throw money in the air that will go to pay the band or DJ playing music.

7. Encourage the children to continue dancing and moving to the music as it plays.

8. Conclude the lesson by thanking the children for participating in the dance and reminding them of what they learned about Greek culture and tradition.

Assessment: Observation of the children's participation in the dance activity can serve as an informal assessment of their understanding of the Sirtaki and Hasapiko dances and Greek culture. Additionally, you can ask the children to share what they enjoyed most about the activity and what they learned about Greek music and dance.